Begin to master yoga movements with long-held, basic poses with ROOT yoga. From beginner to athlete, this particular practice is ideal for people looking to try yoga and learn how it can enhance your body and health. This class is free and open to the public. We do ask that you bring a yoga mat, water bottle and positive energy to practice. Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne, 13139 Ballantyne Corporate Pl., Charlotte. 704-247-2222. www.aloftcharlotteballantyne.com. 6-7 p.m. Sept. 21.

Simple Steps 1: Is Starting a Business Right for You?:

This introductory workshop focuses on the basics of testing your business idea and identifying the key factors that influence start-up success. Start-up Basics provides you with an overview of the skills and tools you need when deciding to start a business. In this session, you learn about: the advantages and disadvantages of owning a business, the most profitable form for your business, and the fundamentals of formation, organization, marketing, cash flow and funding sources. No Fee. SBA - Small Business Administration, 6302 Fairview Road, Charlotte. 1-3 p.m. Sept. 21.

This is a relaxed walk with stops along the way to discover the natural side of these active green spaces. Must call 980-314-1119 to register. Free. Squirrel Lake Park, 1631 Pleasant Plains Road, Charlotte. 9-10:30 a.m. Sept. 20.

Studies are showing that there are many healing benefits to walking in the woods. Join us to connect with nature and perhaps heal some of your life stressors in this relaxed hike. Must be able to walk up to 2.5 miles on uneven terrain. Must call 980-314-1119 to register. Ages 16 and older. Free. Reedy Creek Nature Center & Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road, Charlotte. 6-7 p.m. Sept. 21.

Tree-mendous Trees:

How many trees does it take to provide oxygen for just one person? Why is it so much cooler under the trees? How does a tree breathe? We will give the trees faces (made out of mud) and then interview them to find the answers to these question.! Must call 980-314-1119 to register. Free. Reedy Creek Nature Center & Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road, Charlotte. 2-3 p.m. Sept. 23.

Whoo did the Owl Eat?:

How do we know what an owl eats if we don’t actually see her eat? By dissecting an owl pellet. Owl pellets are spit out by owls after they digest what they need. The bones of what they ate are easily identified with a little help. No worries — the pellets are sterilized before you touch them. Must call 980-314-1119 to register. $3. Reedy Creek Nature Center & Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road, Charlotte. 2-3 p.m. Sept. 24.

Wildlife & Bird Photography Class:

Wildlife and bird photography is a specialized form of photography that requires special equipment and specialized skills. But it’s not that hard to get good results if you know what to practice and have a little patience. It’s not even that expensive to get started. This two-week class, three hours a session, features wild birds in both sessions for you to practice. The class is limited to 12 participants; call or log in to register. $60, $30 members/volunteers. Carolina Raptor Center, 6000 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-6521. www.carolinaraptorcenter.org. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Sept. 24.

Nature Story Corner:

Settle in and get comfortable as we read a variety of nature based stories. Stories may be accompanied by puppets and audience participation as we learn about the wonders of nature. After the story we will hike into the forest to do a themed activity. Must call 980-314-1119 to register. Free. Reedy Creek Nature Center & Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road, Charlotte. 10-11 a.m. Sept. 25.

Senior activities

Young Hearts Back to School Blast:

Come celebrate with the Young Hearts grandkids going back to school. We’ll do some fun stuff centered on good old school days. This is a covered dish gathering so be sure to bring your favorite side dish to share, including utensils. Young Hearts is a Senior Social Club that meets monthly at South Iredell Senior Center. Come socialize, meet new people and have fun. Free. South Iredell Senior Center, 202 N. Church St., Mooresville. 704-662-3337. www.iredellcoa.com. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 25.

Senior Center Month Celebration:

September is National Senior Center Month and we at South Iredell Senior Center want to invite you to come celebrate. If you plan to attend, you must RSVP by Sept. 22. Luncheon for this celebration is being sponsored by US Med Express. Free. South Iredell Senior Center, 202 N. Church St., Mooresville. 704-662-3337. www.iredellcoa.com. 12-2 p.m. Sept. 26.

Book Discussion Club:

Join a group of book lovers for a monthly book discussion on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at South Iredell Senior Center. For the month of September the book of choice is any book by Catherine Coulter — 70 novels, romantic suspense thrillers and historical romances. The group will be led by Dolores Dauenheimer. All book lovers are welcome to join in the discussion. Free. South Iredell Senior Center, 202 N. Church St., Mooresville. 704-662-3337. www.iredellcoa.com. 1:30-3 p.m. Sept. 26.

19th Annual Oktoberfest:

The only place in town where you can wear Lederhosen & Dirnd’l and still be cool! While we are Swabian & not Bavarian, we at the Waldhorn would like to bring to Charlotte that which has become a true German tradition-the Oktoberfest. For the last 2 weekends in September and the first 2 weekends in October, we ask you to join us for good food, music & dancing. Our site will be transformed to include a giant beer tent, complete with dance floor, and stage!It has become an event for the whole family to enjoy. What better way to spend your week-end, than under the Big Tent, beer & brat in hand, listening and dancing to Oompah music you didn’t even know you knew. $4 admission. Waldhorn Restaurant, 12101 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville. 704-540-7047. www.waldhorn.us/. 5-12 a.m. Sept. 23.

21st Annual St. Ann’s Parish Carnival:

Saturday, September 23rd from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, 3635 Park Road, Charlotte, 28209. The carnival will be a full fun day of rides, games, Silent Auction, Bingo, carnival classic foods as well as some International options. The carnival will happen — rain or shine — and admission is free, ticket booths for rides, food, etc. are centrally located. St. Ann’s Catholic Church is located two blocks north of Park Road Shopping Center on Park Road. Special Parking Notes: There is plenty of parking surrounding the church and school property along Haven Drive and Park Road Elementary School, Hillside Avenue. Handicapped spaces are available in the church parking lot in the first row of parking closest to Park Road and in the last two rows of the church parking lot accessible from Willow Oak Road. Free. St. Ann Catholic Church, 3635 Park Road, Charlotte. 704-523-4641. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 23.

Cardio Funk at Whole Foods Waverly:

Join Stacy and Michelle of Life Time Athletic Charlotte at Whole Foods Waverly for a free Saturday morning Cardio Funk class! Cardio Funk is a hip, current, dance-inspired workout from Life Time, Charlotte. Before you know it, the music and the performer will make you smile and sweat!Join two of the best dance Instructors in Charlotte, Stacy and Michelle, for a workout you will not want to miss! Bring your friends and have fun!This class is free and open to the public. We do recommend that you wear clothes that you can move in and sweat and wear sneakers (barefoot, socks and sandals are not recommended). Everything else will be provided by Life Time Athletic Charlotte. Information on Life Time Athletic Charlotte opening later this year will be available for those who are interested in learning more. We hope to see you there! Free. Whole Foods Market - Waverly, 7221 Waverly Walk Ave., Charlotte. 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Sept. 23.

Test Don’t Guess: Metabolic Assessment Day with Life Time Athletic:

Join Joel Watts and Mari Brennan of Life Time Athletic Charlotte at Charlotte Running Company for a free metabolic assessment! Our assessment will find your unique heart rate zones so that you can decrease race times and increase performance. Ultimately, we will help you understand how to make better use of your workout time based on your assessment. From beginner to competitive runner, this particular assessment is ideal for people looking to take their program to the next level.These assessments are free and open to the public and will be served on a first come, first serve basis. They take about a half hour to complete (team will do 2 assessments per hour), so please be sure to bring a towel and water bottle. Information on Life Time Athletic Charlotte opening later this year will be available for those who are interested in learning more. We hope to see you there!. Charlotte Running Company Promenade, 5355 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. #200, Charlotte. 1-5 p.m. Sept. 23.

Acting Classes for Seniors 55+:

ACT is proud to announce it will be offering fall acting classes exclusively for the young at heart aged 55 and up starting September 25th at Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell Street, Matthews.’Comics and Comedienne’s’ will run eight weeks finalizing with a presentation for family and friends during the last class. Classes are held at Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell Street in Matthews. This comedy class is for those who loved Red Skelton and Carol Burnet or Saturday Night Live sketches. The classes are designed to have fun while learning and improving theatrical skills. Most important - No experience or memorization is required. All eight week classes culminate with a presentation for family and friends at the final class. The class fee is $175, including all supplies.”Senior Theatre — Theatre specifically for, by and with senior citizens is relatively new to this area” says teacher/director Dr. Wrenn Goodrum. “The benefits of participation are more than mere entertainment. Statistics have proved that participation in theatre arts has significant health benefits — physical, mental, psychological and cultural as well as social.” Lynssy Logue, a former student says, “I had forgotten how much fun acting can be. Becoming another character even for a few minutes enlightens the soul. Learning to improvise keeps your mind and limbs limber and active. Meeting new friends and laughing keeps the heart light. It was a truly rewarding experience and every senior should take an acting class.”Details:Comics and Commediennes * Mondays September 25th — November 20th (No class on Columbus Day October 9th) 2pm — 3:30pmMatthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell Street in Matthews. For more information and to register, contact Dr. Wrenn Goodrum at 704-707-6757. $175. Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell St. East, Matthews. 704-846-8343. 2-3:30 p.m. Sept. 25.

Acting Class for Seniors:

ACT is proud to announce it will be offering the ’Young at Heart LOL’ class exclusively for seniors aged 55 and up starting September 26th at Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell Street, Matthews.Participants in the ’Young at Heart LOL’ class use quick thinking skills and zany characters to perform improvisations. The class is designed to have fun while learning and improving theatrical skills. Most important - No experience or memorization is required. All eight week classes culminate with a presentation for family and friends at the final class. The class fee is $175, including all supplies. The class meets on Tuesdays starting September 26th 10:30 am — noon at Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell Street in Matthews. For more information, contact Dr. Wrenn Goodrum at 704-707-6757. $175. Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell St. East, Matthews. 704-846-8343. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Sept. 26.

Acting Class for Seniors 55+:

Activate Community Through Theatre is proud to announce it will be offering ’Life Stories,’ an acting and writing class exclusively for seniors aged 55 starting September 26th at Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell Street, Matthews.Participants in the ’Life Stories’ class write and perform stories from their lives using improvisation, storytelling, acting, song and monologue writing. The class is designed to have fun while learning and improving theatrical skills. Most important - No experience or memorization is required. All eight week classes culminate with a presentation for family and friends at the final class. The class fee is $175, including all supplies. The class meets on Tuesdays starting September 26th, 2 pm— 3:30 pm at Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell Street in Matthews. For more information, contact Dr. Wrenn Goodrum at 704-707-6757. $175. Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell St. East, Matthews. 704-846-8343. 2-3:30 p.m. Sept. 26.

Simple Steps for Starting Your Business, Workshop Series #2 - 5:

A series of four workshops: Business Concepts, Marketing Plan, Financial Projections, Funding Sources and Next Steps.Attendees should have attended Simple Steps for Starting Your Business, Session #1 -- The Basics, before signing up for the four-session Workshop Series.Pre-Registration is required. Sign up on SCORE Website, Local Workshops. $150 for Workshop Series, Simple Steps 2-4; a second person from the same company is an additional $50. SBA - Small Business Administration, 6302 Fairview Road, Charlotte. 1-3 p.m. Sept. 26.

Sports

ROOT Yoga at Whole Foods Waverly with Leslie Petrovic:

Join Leslie Petrovic of Life Time Athletic Charlotte on Whole Foods Waverly’s outdoor patio for a free Thursday evening ROOT yoga practice! Begin to master yoga movements with long-held, basic poses with ROOT yoga. From beginner to athlete, this particular practice is ideal for people looking to try yoga and learn how it can enhance your body and health.This class is free and open to the public. We do ask that you bring a yoga mat, water bottle and positive energy to practice! Information on Life Time Athletic Charlotte opening later this year will be available for those who are interested in learning more. We hope to see you there!. Whole Foods Market - Waverly, 7221 Waverly Walk Ave., Charlotte. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 21.

Zumba with Koh Herlong at Whole Foods Waverly:

Join Koh Herlong of Life Time Athletic Charlotte at Whole Foods Waverly for a free Saturday morning Zumba class! Zumba is a Latin inspired dance fitness party that is great for all ages with no experience required. Come out, feel the music, move your body, and have fun!This class is free and open to the public. We do recommend that you wear clothes that you can move in and sweat and wear sneakers (barefoot, socks and sandals are not recommended). Everything else will be provided by Life Time Athletic Charlotte. Information on Life Time Athletic Charlotte opening later this year will be available for those who are interested in learning more. We hope to see you there! Free. Whole Foods Market - Waverly, 7221 Waverly Walk Ave., Charlotte. 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Sept. 23.

Talks & Readings

Wednesdays with Warren:

On the third Wednesday of each month, Warren will host a community event at their Ballantyne office. Conversations will range from editing and marketing tips for writers to featured author evenings. This event will feature author Jim Leonard as he discusses his new book “The Art of Living Life.” Free. The Fountains Shopping Center in Ballantyne, 8183 Ardrey Kell Road, Charlotte. 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 20.

BolÃvar in the USA:

The Center for Latino Studies and the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement welcome Miguel Chirinos, author of the book “SimÃ³n BolÃvar in the United States: Bicentennial Visit (1807-2007).” Chirinos will present research on BolÃvar’s life as a Venezuelan military and political leader, particularly an uncommonly-known period of his life that is often omitted in biographies. Free. Queens University of Charlotte — Ketner Auditorium, 1928 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte. 704-337-2200. 7-9 p.m. Sept. 20.

Alzheimer’s Support Group:

When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, it takes a toll on so many people close to them. Join others that have been effected by Alzheimer’s and other Dementia’s in a support group where stories are shared, questions are answered and new friendships are made. Free. Elmcroft Senior Living, 7745 Little Ave., Charlotte. 704-541-9333. www.elmcroft.com. 6 p.m. Sept. 21.

Living Your Yes with RA:

You’re invited to a personalized goal-setting event, where you will receive free, expert advice from a local doctor and learn how to set goals that can help you live life to its fullest. Free. Maggiano’s Italian Restaurant, 4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte. 6-8 p.m. Sept. 26.

Read Next

"Public art" by Charlotte painter Sharon Dowell is now on display at Gallery@LOOM located downtown at 120 Academy Street. LOOM will hold an art reception for Dowell’s exhibit 7 - 9 p.m. on August 11. Dowell will be there to discuss her work. Children’s art activities will take place next door.